I believe music education is a powerful tool to help people develop into more 
thoughtful, resourceful citizens.

 

Learning is a skill that can be improved through trial and error. This concept is called "growth learning mindset." Therefore, lessons with me emphasize the relationship between "input" and "output": the amount and type of work we devote to a project, and the results of that work.

Patience is developed through the (sometimes terrifying!) process of waiting for these results to arrive over weeks, months, or years. 

When we do not achieve the results we desire--which is often!--we must review our working process, make changes, and try again. This requires creativity, bravery, and once again, patience.

 

Kindness is developed through playing together and by supporting one another through the learning process. It is virtually impossible to play together unless every member of the group sincerely wants the best for each of their colleagues. Performance classes make it plain to all students that everyone is struggling with something. Offering one another suggestions for improvement in a supervised environment helps teach them to give constructive feedback in a kind way.

Through our time together, I hope my students develop greater confidence to tackle challenges and problem-solve independently.